Denim guide · 3 min read
All jeans are made of denim. But not all denim behaves the same. The biggest difference is whether it stretches. Here is what that means for how your jeans feel, fit and last.
what rigid denim is.
Rigid denim is woven from cotton only. It's stiff when new, softens with wear and moulds to your body over weeks. It doesn't give when you sit or bend.
what stretch denim is.
Stretch denim has a small amount of elastic fibre woven in with the cotton. That lets the fabric stretch when you move and recover when you stop.
rigid
Stiff at first, softens over time. Little give. Classic vintage look. Needs a break-in period.
light stretch
Feels like classic denim, with just enough give to sit comfortably.
super stretch
Moves with you from day one. Hugs curves and bounces back. No break-in.
which one fits curves better?
For most curvy bodies, stretch wins. Rigid denim can't be snug at the waist and roomy at the hips at the same time. Stretch can.
when rigid makes sense.
If you love a very vintage, structured look and don't mind a break-in period, rigid can be great. That's why we also make a few non-stretch styles, clearly marked Non Stretch in the name.
How to tell on our site
Every product name says it: Stretchy, Super Stretch, Light Stretch or Non Stretch. No guessing.
Is stretch denim real denim?
Yes. It's woven denim with a little elastic fibre added, so it looks like denim and moves with you.
Does rigid denim stretch over time?
It softens and moulds a little, but it doesn't spring back like stretch denim does.
Which is more comfortable?
Stretch denim, especially for sitting and moving all day.
Super stretch picks
Butter Flex Wide Leg · Dark GreyShop →
Butter Flex Wide Leg · GreyShop →
Butter Flex Wide Leg · Dark WashShop →
feel the difference.
Super stretch, light stretch or non-stretch: it's all in the name.
Shop all jeans
